Lint removers



2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. DON D F. DREHEFZ D. F. DREHER LINT REMOVERSSept. 19, 1

Original Filed Aug. 28, 1963 D. F. DREHER Sept. 19, 1967 LIN'I REMOVERS2 Sheets-Sheet Original Filed Aug. 28, 1965 United States Patent3,342,325 LINT REMOVERS Donald F. Dreher, R0. Box 56, East Brookfield,Mass. 01515 Continuation of application Ser. No. 305,231, Aug.

28, 1963. This application July 1, 1966, Ser. No.

12 Claims. (Cl. 206-52) This application is a continuation ofapplication Serial No. 305,231, filed Aug. 28, 1963, now abandoned.

This invention relates to line removers of the ever-tacky orpressure-sensitve adhesve type. More particularly, it relates totacky-sur-faced spools or rollers, each comprising a series ofsequentially usable convolutions wound upon and supported by acylindrical axial element, together with means for packaging andpivotally bearing the adhesive spool.

Lint removers of the character described usually comprise a length ofpressure sensitive masking tape wound upon a core which is end-cappedand mechancially bearinged in a handle fixture. My invention diifersmarkedly from such products as are presently manufactured in thefollowing important respects:

The lint pick-up performance and the dirt-carrying capacity of theadhesive mass are sizably increased by radical alteration in physicalcharacteristics of the adhesive composition, which is designed to meetthe specific requirements of this type of product.

In its preferred form, the adhesive spool is spirally wound in staggeredmultiple layers. Thus each ply of adhesive mass and carrier web is asegment of tape unto itself and removable in one piece simply byunwinding it. When the outer segment is so removed, the next succeedingadhesive layer is exposed in full width and exact circumference withoutthe users having had to cut or tear off the discarded outer segment.

New and novel means are provided for pivotally bearing the rotatableelement, eliminating the need for a handled fixture and permittingfunctional enclosure within a simple package which protects the adhesivespool throughout its useful life, permits its being carried in handbagor suitcase or placed in a drawer, and shields the adhesive surface fromtroublesome, wasteful and undesirable contact with other articles orwith a surface against which it may be laid.

Except for having provided rotable means and wraparound protectiveplastic sheeting, the latter being relatively ineffectual as a protectordue to its moderate stiffness and plastic memory which exert sufficientforce to permit tangential disengagement from the adhesive surface, thecapability of which will have been impaired by lint or other matterpicked up by it, the similarly-purposed products presently on the marketevidence neglect of the significance of the types of product improvementto which my attention has been directed.

Therefore, the major and all-inclusive object of the invention made byme and described herein is to develop maximal performance, utility andconvenience in a product of the character described.

In order to accomplish such desirable ends, a primary objective is todevelop adhesive compositions which are best suited to the specializedpurposes of this type of product.

Another object is to make the products handling and use more convenient.

A further object is to reduce its manufacturing cost.

Still another object is to simplify its packaging, and to render thiselement functionally purposeful throughout the useful life of theproduct.

Another object is to shroud the exposed sticky ends of the adhesivespool, and thus eliminate an inherently troublesome feature of woundpressure sensitive articles in general.

A still further object is to make the product conveniently totable.

A still further object of the instant invention is to expand the usefulapplication of the principles herein outlined into product use areas notpresently exploited or served.

Methods by which these and corollary objectives may be achieved will beunderstood more readily by reference to the several drawings, in whichFIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective showing the individual elementswhich comprise one preferred form of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a view in perspective showing the adhesive spool assemblypivotally held by thumb and second finger of ones hand, which positioninto dimples formed coaxially in the closure plugs.

FIGURE 3 is a sectioned View showing an end portion of a largerdimensioned and especially-purposed product of similar character.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of an improved protective wrapper.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view showing a straightwound roll with itsadhesive layer outwardly exposable in situ.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view showing a wound roll of pressuresensitive adhesive laminate with a flow-restraining membrane attached toeach end face.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view showing a stack of sheeted pressuresensitive adhesive laminate with flowrestraining membranes attached totwo of its trimmed sides.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, an adhesive-surfaced spool 1 with a pluralityof Web-borne adhesive layers 2, spirally interwound 3 one upon the otheraround a supporting cylindrical core or tube 4 into the ends of whichare pressed closure plugs 5, 6, is insertable as so assembled into theouter sleeve 7, which with the closure plugs 5, 6, forms a neat andserviceable package and protective enclosure for the ever-tacky adhesiveelement 1. The closure plugs 5, 6, are slightly larger in diameter thanthe adhesive spool 1 when new and fully wound. Bearing upon the innerwall of the sleeve 7, and with all the named elements having a commoncentral axis, the closure plugs 5, 6, center the adhesive spool 1 withinthe cylindrical enclosure and thus prevent contact between the adhesivesurface and the inner wall of the sleeve 7.

It is preferable than one or the other, or both, of the closure plugs 5,6, either frictionally or by spring seizure, may be held in properendwise position so as to achieve a stable package and to preventunintentional exposure of the adhesive element.

A number of modifications of this packaging concept will be apparent,e.g., that one end of the outer sleeve 7 could be closed, instead ofboth ends being open as shown in the form herein described. The openends are preferred, however, since this design permits ejection of theadhesive spool and closure plug assembly simply by pressing against oneof the closure plugs. Additionally, by eliminating the need for anexternal shoulder or a frictioned grasping appurtenance, it minimizesthe overall length of the package. This latter factor is significantwhen viewed in the light of one of the objects of the instant invention,which is to provide a product of the character described for sale as acosmetic item and so sized as to be conveniently carryable in miladyshandbag. For such use, the product herein described has especial utilitysince it is very effective in removing face powder from many ladiesgarments.

The closure plugs 5, 6, are dimpled at 8, permitting the adhesive spoolassembly to be held between ones thurnb' and second finger in the mannerindicated in FIGURE 2. in which position the adhesive spool 1 may bepressed against a surface such as fabric and rolled by frictionalcontact as the adhesive spool assembly is propelled by thumb and finger,thus picking up lint, powder, hair and whatever other objects may bedisengaged from their anchorage in the fabric by contact with thepressure sensitive mass on the outer surface of the adhesive spool 1.

FIGURE 2 also shows one of the pennant-shaped ends 9 of the outermostspiral-wound layer lifted, ready to be peeled away from and thusexposing the next underlying adhesive surface. It should be noted thatin this type of construction the peeling of the outer layer is startedsimply by lifting the point 10 of the spiral-wound segment, from whichpoint 10 the peeling leads around the roll helix fashion, and that byunwinding this relatively narrow segment all of the previously exposedsurface will have been removed. The equivalent operation on astraight-wound roll from which a single convolution is to be removedentails lifting the leading edge across its full Width before peelingaround to the starting point, where one must cut or tear off thediscardable segment and attempt to match the exact starting point inorder to achieve full circumferential exposure of fresh adhesive surfaceWithout wastage of unnecessarily removed adhesive web. Even in productsin which the straight-wound rolls are slashed or segmentallycross-perforated, the problem of lifting the leading end remains asomewhat difficult and tedious operation, which is aggravateddisproportionately as the width of the peeled segment is increased.

Thus the spiral winding construction not only simplifies removal of theouter layer, but permits practical application and use oflarger-dimensioned units. Additionally, since each layer is separableindependently in a single and continuous segment, and neither cuttingnor the need for tearing is involved, the substrate or carrier web forthe adhesive mass may comprise a relatively untearable material, thusbroadening the range of usable substrates to include various films,which may be used instead of paper. It also will be apparent that thespiral winding technique permits confluent winding of the total adhesivespool including its supporting core 4, its plurality ofsubstrate-carried adhesive mass layers 2 and such external wrapping asmight be desired. Thus significant economies in manufacture areachievable by such means.

It is preferable that the opposite surfaces of the adhesive-bearingsubstrate be differentially attracted to the adhesive layer. This is notnecessarily essential, however, since if both surfaces are identicallyand effectively re lease-coated following the practice established inwound transfer tape used for pressure sensitive strip gumming in thegraphic arts, unwinding invariably results in adhesive exposureregardless of the original winding whether it were inside or outside.This element is of some significance when using the spiral-windingtechnique wherein an inside wind permits wider latitude particularlywith respect to the winding of additional plies following contact withthe driving belt. Combination of these two desirable elements, viz:differential surface attraction for the adhesive mass and insidewinding, involves application of the adhesive to the lower-afiinitiedsurface of the substrate contemporaneously with the winding operation.Whenever only a single layer of transferable mass is to be included, thegraphic arts process referred to above is directly applicable.

FIGURE shows a straight-wound roll 17 incorporating the transfertechnique wherein the substrate 18 is wound with the adhesive layer 2 onits inner surface, thereafter being peelable from the wound roll andexposing the outer face of the adhesive layer 2 immediately thereunder.

FIGURES 3 and 4 show several modifications of the previously describedassembly of elements, those which are common being similarlypart-numbered. These modifications stem from factors involved inadapting this type of product to certain specialized applications inwhich larger dimensioned units are indicated and in which a handledaccessory would be more convenient, e.g., for use on carpeting orfurniture. Although originally intended for large dimensioned units,each of the modifications herein described is applicable to smallerunits and should indeed be so applied whenever prudence dictates.

The first of these modifications is reduction in the relative outsidediameter of the pivotal end plug 11 so that it will not overextend thatof the core 4. This permits use of the device on relativelynon-cushionable fiat surfaces such as carpeting 12. The end plug 11 maybe dimpled at 8 for use as a finger bearing socket whenever desired andpractical dimensionally, or it may be bored at 13 to serve as amechanical bearing supported on spindle or yoke.

The second modification concerns sealing the ends of the adhesive spoolto render them nontacky and/or to restrict spew or cold flow of theadhesive composition at the exposed edges of the several layers 2. InFIGURE 3 such end seals 14 comprise precut discs of polyethyleneheat-sealably attached to the exposed ends of the spool, the overhangingfilm flaring out 15 as it comes into contact with the carpeting 12. Inorder to resist flow-out of the adhesive composition from within itswound entrapment, which is a highly desirable end in itself andapplicable advantageously to many pressure sensitive adhesive productsincluding both those which are wound and laminates which are sheeted andsubject to stacked pressure, it is important that the applied sealingelement become adhesively anchored to the exposed edges of the substrateor carrier web in sufficient strength to resist the internal pressure ofthe adhesive mass from whatever source such pressure may develop,whether it be due to wound tension, linear shrinkage of the substrate,cubical expansion of the adhesive mass or compression of stacked sheets.Since pressure sensitive adhesives incline toward cold-flow tendencies,it is advisable to seal such exposed edges immediately after winding orsheeting, or at least before any exudation will have occurred.

FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate application of the edge sealing technique topressure sensitive adhesive laminates, FIGURE 6 showing a wound roll 19and FIGURE 7 a sheeted stack 20 of such material, wherein the laminatecomprises a three-element combination in which the adhesive layer 2 issandwiched between a base member 21 such as a strippable liner 22..Membranous seals 14 are attached to the end faces 23 of the roll 19 andto the trimmed sides 24 of the stack 20, being those surfaces havingedge exposure of the adhesive layers 2, the attachment in each casefollowing the hereinabove teaching wherein the sealing element 14 isreliably anchored to the trimmed edges of the non-adhesive members 21,22 by disparate adhesive means and wherein the anchorage in cooperationwith the sealing element 14 occludes the adhesive composition 2 andprevents flowable contact with contiguous convolutions or sheets oflaminate.

As indicated above, containment may be accomplished by heat-sealapplication of a film such as polyethylene or by application of paper orother substrate suitably coated and/or attachable to the surface.Similarly eifective results may be achieved by direct application ofcertain hot-melt, solvent solution, emulsion or dispersion compositions.Since the applied seal should resist such internal pressures as maydevelop within the adhesive mass, its tensile strength as well as itsadherence to the substrate must be adequate if spew is to be confinedwithin the membrane 14 and prevented from contacting the next adjacentadhesive mass layers. In the case of sheeted stocks in particular and aswell in certain wound products, the attached seal 25 should bestrippable at the point of final use so that individual sheets orconvolutions may be free of the connecting anchorage of the seal. Forsuch application it is important that the bond between seal andsubstrate be separable when the right type and amount of stripping forceis applied in its removal. When adapted to the adhesive spool as shownin FIGURE 3, the seal 14 may be so composed as to permit release fromeach substrate as it is unwound, or the seal may be calculably minimizedand/or embrittled so that its adhering sections break and are removed assucceeding layers are unwound.

Additionally, the use of such seals as vapor transmis- Sion barriers maycontribute importantly to the stability of many types of product towhich the technique is applicable. Variation in moisture content inWound rolls of paper, water-sensitive films and gum med paper, forexample, could be eliminated or rendered insignificant by application ofstrippable elements to the roll ends. Similarly, prevention of the lossof retained solvent and/or volatile plasticizers in a wide range ofproduct could be achieved simply and at minimal expense by use of thetechnique herein described. Although not limited thereto, pressuresensitive attachment of vapor-barriering seals of the characterdescribed is ideally suited to this application. An additional advantagegained by coextensive adhesional attachment of such a seal is itsentrainment of slitting chaff, dirt and other undesirable and insecurelyattached particles, all of which are removed when the protective seal isstripped away.

The third modification as shown in FIGURE 4 concerns the use of aprotective wrap-around plastic sheeting element 16, similar in purposeto those currently used in the manner previously described except thatin my invention the film sheeting 16 is preformed so as to hug theadhesive spool, thus utilizing advantageously its plas tic memory andspring-like capability. For this purpose any number of plastic filmsheetings are suitable, the physical characteristics of which may beexampled by minimally-plasticized cellulose acetate.

In certain applications it may be advantageous to release-coat the innerface of the protective wrapper to facilitate its separation from theadhesive. Although the adhesive strength of compositions best suited tolint pickup devices is relatively low, some of the more gelatinous andtoothy compositions which are later discussed in this disclosure couldmake use of a siliconed inner face of the wrapper desirable. It alsowill be apparent that a release-coated paper could function effectivelyas a wrapper, except that means should be provided for its anchorage inprotective position without reliance upon its affinity for the rollersadhesive surface.

Giving attention now to the pressure sensitive adhesive composition towhich prior references have been made and which constitutes one of themore important objects of the instant invention, it should first bestated that virtually any pressure sensitive adhesive composition by itsvery nature will adhere to lint and to other types of matter desirablydisengageable from fabrics and the like, and thus is capable ofdemonstration. Although industrial masking and packaging tapes have beenand are being used quite universally for this purpose, realisticevaluation will bear out the fact that they were designed and formulatedto meet highly critical and specialized demands which are whollyunrelated to the peculiar and specific requirements of lint removers.

The "basic characteristics desirable in an adhesive to be used in anarticle of the character herein described may best be understood byobserving the behavior of industrial tapes in general when applied tolint remover spools or rollers. Due to the relative firmness of theadhesive composition, lint particles and other matter picked up bycontact with the adhesive cannot imbed into the adhesive mass and thusstand proudly and high above the surface. So standing, each suchparticle tends to prevent contact between other particles and theadhesive surface which surrounds the original particle. Thus eachadhered particle tends to block out and so to render adhesivelyineffectual a relatively large area when contrasted with its own actualsize. The result of this phenomenon is that such an adhesive surfacequickly loses 6 its pickup capability and disproportionately to thatpart of its area which actually is covered by the entrained particlesper se. Another consequence of firmness in the adhesive composition,havin little capacity to be deformed by light pressure, is that itcannot reach down into depressions as occur in woven fabrics and fromsuch depressions or tiny pockets extract finely particled matter such asladies face powder.

Although subject to technical differentiation, adhesive firmness tendsto correlate with resistance to cold flow, the latter also being anessential characteristic of stablywound industrial tapes but indiametric conflict with that which is desirable in a lint remover sinceit further discourages imbedment of foreign particles into the adhesivemass by preventing its cold flow from enveloping such particles. Thisphenomenon occurs more as a function of time and thus affects recoveryof an impaired adhesive surface during intervals of nonuse.

The next attribute of industrial-purposed pressure sensitive tapes whichI find distressing when applied to lint removers is that their adhesivestrength is much too great. It is a misapprehension indeed that greatpulling force is required to pick up a miscellany of things such aslint, powder, fuzz and hair. This misappraisal may stem from thedifficulties one often encounters in attempting to brush such matterfrom nappy fabrics. Additionally, certain delicate fabrics, such asthose which often are used in ladies blouses, and some brushed or nappymaterials, will not tolerate the use of great adhesive force againstthem.

Comparative requirements differ in still another cate gory. Thisconcerns the time interval of contact between the adhesive and anopposing surface or object. Few, if any, pressure sensitive productscontact any surface as briefly; thus problems of staining, plasticizermignation, offset, markoif, edge residue and long-term exposure todestructive elements need be given little if any consideration.

From these observations it reasonably may be deduced that thecharacteristics desirable and advantageous in an .adhesive compositiondesigned for use in lint removers should include softness, cold flow andlow adhesion. Happily this combination of characteristics is notdiflicult to obtain since all three may be achieved by high plasticizercontent. Given further relief as indicated above with respect to thecontact interval, the named desirable characteristics may be maximize-dsafely by generous over-plasticizing, even to the point of developing asoft gelatinous mass, which perhaps best describes the ideal pick-upelement for the purpose herein intended. Such an adhesive compositionmight best be termed contact sensitive, which designation willhereinafter be used.

In order further to aid one skilled in the art to practice the methodsinvolved in this invention and thus produce the finished productdescribed herein, I may mention that the adhesive mass may consistsatisfactorily of a medium molecular weight polyisobutylene (known inthe trade as Vistanex), e.g., of the order of 80,000 to 120,000 mol.Wt., combined with a compatible but relatively impotent plasticizer suchas amber petrolatum of soft consistency, the plasticizer content in thisexample preferably ranging sizably upward from a minimal 150 parts(based upon parts of polymer), and advisedly an antioxidant and/orprocessing stabilizer. So selected and used in the manner indicate-d,plasticizer serves dually as softener and extender. The capacity ofpolyisobutylene to absorb par-affinic hydrocarbons is so great thatextending may be carried to virtually any degree of softness as may bestsuit the requirements of the subject product. Although each additionalincrement of plasticizer beyond a certain level reduces absoluteadhesive strength, it increases tooth and wet grab of the composition.Thus when used in copious quantity, e.g., from 300 to 500 parts, theresultant aggressiveness may need to be modified. This may beaccomplished by addition of paraffin or other tack-discouraging wax,soaps or other emulsifying agents, vegetable-sourced 67 detackifiersexampled by castor oil and a numer of its derivatives, certain partiallycompatible silicones, or by other means known to and utilized by thoseskilled in the art. The choice of detackifying modifier should be basedinsofar as prudent upon its having the least capacity to negate theachieved softness of the composition. Thus the incorporation of fillers,hardeners and cold-flow-inhibiting additives would be less desirable.

The exemplary substances mentioned above, their physical consistenciesand indicated proportions should be considered in structure instead offinite or limiting. Higher or lower molecular weights of the polymer,for example, may be used predictably and purposefully to a given end.Lower molecular weights demand and tolerate less softening, higherweights contrariwise. Normal preference for contact sensitivecompositions for the herein-intended purposes would tend to be thehigher molecular weights due to both physical and economic factors. Thepreference for a relatively impotent plasticizer is influenced bysimilar reasoning. The essence of the teaching herein contained is thechange in concept from pressure sensitive to contact sensitive adhesivecompositions for use in applications exampled by that of the instantinvention.

The determination of optimal thickness of each adhesive layer isinfluenced by a number of factors. Since deformability of a single layerof adhesive mass is a function of its depth, a generous application willoutperform a scanty one; but when considering a plurality of adhesivelayers, each over-wrapping those beneath, the deformability of the outerlayer is increased by the cushioning which underlies it. In order tomaximize such cushioning, if indeed it be desirable so to enhance theouter wraps while accepting diminishing performance of those which lienearer the supporting core, the separating substrate or carrier web foreach adhesive layer should be as flexible as possible. Althoughcushioning beneath the innermost layer could improve its eflicacy, itwould :be diflicult to justify the additional cost. A more practicalsolution would be to increase the adhesive thickness thelesser-cushioned winds, which the spiral-winding technique permits sinceeach wrap is independent. Assuming that adequate net deformability ofeach adhesive layer is provided, such factor including its supportingcushion, and a specified crosssectional area outside the supporting coreis to be occupied with alternating layers of adhesive and substrate, areduction in caliper of each wind will increase the permissable numberof such windings and provide the user with additional fresh pickupsurfaces. Thus an increase in the volumetric proportion of substrate toadhesive could be advantageous to the consumer.

Finally, except of overall cost considerations, the use for which aparticular product is intended will influence determination of optimalthickness of the adhesive layer, and similarly its composition. Insofaras seizure and imbedment of foreign materials into the adhesive mass isconcerned, the size of such particles should influence the choice.Seemingly contrary to an earlier reference to it, a finely particledsubstance such as ladies face powder would demand little in adhesivedepth, in which instance an increase in available fresh surface areawould be more advantageous to the user, assuming that there be adequatenet surface deformability to contact such particles as are lodged indepressions in the woven fabric. At the opposite extreme, a productintended for use on carpeting should have a maximal adhesive depositsince it should be capable of seizing larger and often heavier objectssuch as sand, and bits of metal, glass or wood. A product designedprimarily to pick up hair and fibers need be only median in caliper.Lovers of certain domestic animals such as longhaired cats and fleecydogs will find such product incalculable in value and utility.

In general, adhesive thicknesses of the order of .002 to .006 inch maybe considered optimal for commercial manufacture and general utility. Incertain light-duty applications, e.g., the pickup of dust or powder fromrelatively 8 smooth surfaces, lesser amounts may be effective.Additionally, when thinner masses are laid, softer and more toothycompositions often may be used. Heavier deposits tend to yielddiminishing additional returns.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that I have developed a new andnovel article of manufacture which can be of considerable utility, andwhich is greatly improved over the prior art and importantlydifferentiated therefrom.

Even though there has been repetitious emphasis upon spiral winding ofthe subject products, many of the teachings contained herein areapplicable to other forms in which this type of article may bemanufactured and utilized advantageously, whether similarly ordifferently purposed.

It is to be understood that the use of materials and combinations otherthan those named, mechanical modifications and functional variations maybe effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts ofthe present invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A lint pickup roller comprising a cylindrical support and a pluralityof lengths of substrate having ever-tacky adhesive on one surfacethereof, said lengths being superposed upon said support, said adhesivehaving one face outwardly exposable while on the roller, and each saidlength forming a helix with its opposite edges substantially abuttinglyjuxtaposed and in offset relationship to contiguous windings.

2. A lint pickup roller as defined in claim 1, wherein said supportcomprises a helically wound core.

3. A lint pickup roller as defined in claim 1, wherein said adhesive wasinitially adhered to the inner surface of said substrate and istransferable therefrom to the surface immediately beneath the adhesive.

4. A lint pickup roller as claimed in claim 1, including, and incombination, a protective shield consisting of a sheet of springablematerial in the form of a cylindrical member preformedly lesser radiusedthan, and expandable around, said roller, said shield having acircumference greater than that of said roller and adapted thereby tobeing overlapped to provide full protection for the exposable face ofsaid adhesive, the inner surface of said shield preferably being treatedand having reduced affinity for said adhesive.

5. A lint pickup roller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ever-tackyadhesive is a polyisobutylene adhesive containing as the plasticizerfrom 150 to 500 parts of solid petrolatum of soft consistency to eachparts of polyisobutylene when the latter has a medium molecular weight.

6. In an article of manufacture of the type described herein, includingan asesmbly of layers of ever-tacky adhesive composition separated bysupporting sheet material, in which said assembly has a trimmed face atwhich adhesive layers are exposed, wherein the improvement comprises amembrane covering said trimmed face of said assembly and attached to theedges of said supporting sheet material at said face by adhesive meansdisparate from said ever-tacky adhesive composition, and adapted, incooperation with said membrane, to restraining facial exudation of saidadhesive composition.

7. In a lint pickup roller of the type presenting an exposed surface ofever-tacky adhesive when in use and which is capable of picking up lint,said roller including a cylindrical member on which convolutions of tapeare provided which tape carries a layer of said ever-tacky adhesive,wherein the improvement comprises a structure having alternate layers oftape and adhesive in which said tape is positioned outwardly from theadhesive layer initially carried thereby, the inner face of said tapebeing separable from the adhesive layer, which layer has a preferentialaffinity for the surface directly beneath it in the roller and to whichit is thereby transferable, whereby all of the peripherally-exposableadhesive layer will be protectively overwrapped by said carrier tape,which overwrapped carrier tape when removed from the roller will exposethe adhesive layer initially carried by said tape.

8. A lint pickup roller as claimed in claim 7, wherein said ever-tackyadhesive is a polyisobutylene adhesive containing as the plasticizerfrom 150 to 500 parts of solid petrolatum of soft consistency to each100' parts of polyisobutylene.

9. A lint pickup roller as defined in claim 1, having a bearing means ateach end that carries a coaxial socket contoured in each of said bearingmeans, said coaxial sockets being adapted comfortably to receive thumband finger of a persons hand as pivots between and upon which saidroller can be rotated when pressed against a surface to be delinted androlled along said surface.

10. In a lint pickup roller of the type adapted to present a peripheralsurface of ever-tacky adhesive character and having a bearing means ateach end, wherein the improvement comprises coaxial sockets contoured insaid bearing means, said coaxial sockets being adapted comfortably toreceive a thumb and a finger of a persons hand as pivots between andupon which said roller can 'be rotated when pressed against a surface tobe delinted and rolled along said surface, said bearing at each end ofthe roller projecting radially outwardly beyond the peripheral surfaceof the ever-tacky adhesive on the roller, and a removable tubularprotective shield extending over said roller with its inner peripheryengaging said bearing means and with the ever-tacky adhesive surfacelocated in spaced relation to the inner surface of the shield.

11. A lint pickup roller as claimed in claim 10, wherein said ever-tackyadhesive was initially adhered to the inner surface of a tape extendingaround said roller and is transferable therefrom to the surfaceimmediately underlying the adhesive while the tape is removabletherefrom to expose the adhesive.

12. In a lint pickup device of the type described herein, including alayer of ever-tacky adhesive composition wherein the improvementcomprises a polyisobutylene contact-sensitive adhesive containing as aplasticizer from 150 to 500 parts of solid petrolatum of softconsistency to each 100 parts of polyisobutylene of medium molecularweight, said adhesive having a soft gelatinous character, an excessivetooth and a substantially lower adhesive strength than adhesives of thetype used in pressure-sensitive masking tape, whereby said adhesivecomposition has unusual afiinity for lint, hair and similar materials.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,070,940 8/1913 Bauer 206-591,805,426 5/ 1931 Vanatta.

1,864,877 6/1932 White 206-52 2,119,163 5/1938 Herrmann 206-59 2,170,1478/1939 Lane.

2,191,704 2/ 1940 Bennett 206-51 2,200,721 5/1940 Marinsky et al.242-173 2,401,842 6/ 1946 Slater 206-52 X 2,423,962 7/ 1947 Clark et al.

2,624,060 1/ 1953 McKenzie 15-104 2,693,610 11/1954 Hensley 15-1042,746,696 5/ 1956 Tierney 242-173 3,030,696 4/1962 Serwer 15-230.113,115,246 12/1963 Wicklund 206-59 FOREIGN PATENTS 158,600 9/ 1954Australia.

THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

M. L. RICE, Assistant Examiner.

1. A LINT PICKUP ROLLER COMPRISING A CYLINDRICAL SUPPORT AND A PLURALITYOF LENGTHS OF SUBSTRATE HAVING EVER-TACKY ADHESIVE ON ONE SURFACETHEREOF, SAID LENGTHS BEING SUPERPOSED UPON SAID SUPPORT, SAID ADHESIVEHAVING ONE FACE OUTWARDLY EXPOSABLE WHILE ON THE ROLLER, AND EACH SAIDLENGTH FORMING A HELIX WITH ITS OPPOSITE EDGES SUBSTANTIALLY ABUTTINGLYJUXTAPOSED AND IN OFFSET RELATIONSHIP TO CONTIGUOUS WINDINGS.